Legislative Session Begins Today Print E-mail
capitol-olympiaBudget and social issues top the agenda.

State legislators convene in Olympia today for the start of a 60-day legislative session. After passing a temporary budget fix during its special session in December, legislators will once again work to fix the state's budget while also tackling some social issues.

Governor Gregoire has proposed cuts to education, health care and public safety, and has also proposed a tax increase, which will have to be approved by both chambers and then put on a public ballot, to help the state's budget.

House Minority Leader Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis, said the session will be all about the budget. Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, D-Spokane, said the legislature needs to pass a budget that is, "morally responsible."

Social issues like gay marriage and declaring English as the state's official language will also be discussed in the next 60 days.

Read more from The Spokesman-Review.

Greater Spokane Incorporated will join an area delegation in Olympia Jan. 18 - 20 to advocate on behalf of the business community in Eastern Washington.